Traditional St. Nicholas game at the village square Bad Mitterndorf

Performance Times:
5:00 p.m. Stoffbauer-Tenne in Krungl
6:15 p.m. Gasthof Zauchenwirt
7:00 p.m. Parkplatz Tauplitzalm Alpenstraße in Thörl
8:00 p.m. Hotel Grimmingblick - Terrace
9:00 p.m. Dorfplatz Bad Mitterndorf 

Every year on December 5, the Nikolospiel takes place in Bad Mitterndorf, as can be read in the local chronicle, for over 100 years. There is still genuine tradition present there. Anyone who values tradition is right in Bad Mitterndorf . The texts are about 100 years old and have retained their original wording to this day. Even if some parts seem difficult to understand in today's time, the way of expression conveys to the listener the past of a less hectic world.

The wooden masks are fearsome but exhibit human traits. At over 200 years old, the oldest mask is that of Bartl. Particularly notable are the Strohschab, which rise far into the sky with their meter-long horns and march heavily in front of the procession, cracking their whips in rhythm. Quartiermacher, night watchmen, and Schimmelreiter open the performance. Bartl carries a hunchback basket filled with fruit and sweets, which Bishop Nicholas and the pastor distribute to the children. Death appears in the form of the grim reaper and strikes him to the ground. The forces of evil, represented by two Krampuses, drag him out of the inn.

If Bishop Nicholas has previously preached to avoid sins and to be good, he warns anew but then leaves the spectators in the inn to the marriage devil. This character tells how he destroys marriages. In this rhyming text, the old and rural nature is particularly reflected. However, one should pay a little attention to the blacksmith and Habergeiss. The Nikolojäger have everything under control and ensure order. Masks and furs are continuously renewed, yet the main characters have remained almost unchanged for several decades.

 A visit to Bad Mitterndorf is certainly worthwhile.